Translation and Meaning of: し - shi

The Japanese word し (shi) is a short term, but full of nuances and interesting uses in the Japanese language. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding the meaning and context of this word can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore from the basics, like its translation and writing, to deeper aspects, such as its cultural usage and frequency in daily life. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, is a great tool to complement your learning.

In addition to being a grammatical particle and a common suffix, し also appears in expressions and even in Japanese proverbs. Its simplicity hides a wealth of meanings that vary according to the context. Let's unravel all of this clearly and directly, without unnecessary complications.

Meaning and uses of the word し

In its most basic form, し can be translated as "and" or "besides" when used as a particle. It connects sentences or ideas, adding a tone of enumeration or justification. For example, in a sentence like "寒いし、疲れたし、家に帰りたい" (Samui shi, tsukareta shi, ie ni kaeritai), the translation would be "It's cold, I'm tired and I want to go home." Here, し helps to list reasons naturally.

Another common use of し is as a suffix in words like 願いし (negaishi) or 思し (omoishi), although these cases are rarer in modern Japanese. It is worth noting that, unlike other particles, し carries a nuance of emphasis, often indicating that there are more reasons beyond those mentioned. This subtlety may go unnoticed by beginners, but it is essential for a more advanced mastery of the language.

The origin and writing of し

The word し is written in hiragana, one of the Japanese syllabaries, but it also corresponds to the kanji 死, which means "death." However, it is important to highlight that the use of the kanji 死 to represent し is restricted to specific contexts, such as compound words or expressions. Most of the time, especially when functioning as a particle, し appears in hiragana to avoid ambiguities.

Regarding its origin, し comes from Old Japanese and has roots in Classical language. Its evolution has accompanied the grammatical simplification of the language over the centuries. Although it is not one of the oldest particles, its use became established during the Edo period, when the Japanese language underwent various structural changes. Today, it is a common word both in everyday speech and in informal writing.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing し

An interesting fact about し is that, although it seems simple, many Japanese learners take time to realize its function of connecting ideas with emphasis. A helpful tip for memorizing its use is to associate it with situations where you want to list reasons or justify something. For example, when explaining why you didn't leave the house, saying "雨だし、忙しいし" (Ame da shi, isogashii shi) sounds more natural than simply listing the facts without the particle.

Moreover, し often appears in dialogues of animes and dramas, which can aid in learning. Paying attention to how characters use this particle in emotional or explanatory contexts is a practical way to absorb its meaning. Suki Nihongo provides real examples of sentences with し, making it easier to understand its application in daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 四 (shi) - four
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• 志 (shi) - Determination; aspiration
• 士 (shi) - Samurai; warrior
• 仕 (shi) - Service; work
• 死 (shi) - Death
• 私 (shi) - Private; I (pronoun)
• 始 (shi) - Start; begin
• 子 (shi) - Son; child
• 指 (shi) - Pointing; finger
• 持 (ji) - Possess; hold
• 試 (shi) - Test; to experiment
• 旨 (shi) - Purpose; intention
• 誌 (shi) - Record; annals
• 織 (shiki) - Weave; fabric
• 視 (shi) - Vision; gaze
• 紫 (shi) - Purple
• 湿 (shitsu) - damp
• 摯 (shi) - Sincere feeling; deep
• 雌 (shi) - Female; woman
• 詩人 (shijin) - poet
• 資格 (shikaku) - Qualification; condition
• 指導 (shidou) - Guidance; leadership

し

Romaji: shi
Kana: し
Type: Letter
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: 10^24 (Kanji is Jis X 0212 Kuten 4906); Settillion (American); Quadrillion (British)

Meaning in English: 10^24 (kanji is JIS X 0212 kuten 4906);septillion (American);quadrillion (British)

Definition: shi [automatic] 1. Appear alone, without worrying about anything else. say. "Please be considerate." 2 Pretending to know. “Even though I'm good at this, I'm not as good as him.” 3 Bring it out. "I complained about the title." 【other】 1 Ask. Visit. "There is nothing you don't understand. I'm thinking of trying..." 2 Ask. Ask questions and ask questions. "This is a subject where you should use your wisdom in the best way possible." 3. Ask the other person by phone or letter. "How are you? Let's meet."

Example Sentences - (し) shi

See below some example sentences:

アイロンでシャツをアイロンがけする。

Ai ron de shatsu wo ai ron gake suru

I pass the shirt with the iron to pass.

Pass the shirt with an iron.

• アイロン - iron clothes
• で - particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• シャツ - shirt
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• アイロンがけ - ironing clothes
• する - verb that indicates the action of doing something

あっさりした味が好きです。

Assari shita aji ga suki desu

I like the light taste.

• あっさりした - Adjective that describes a light and smooth taste.
• 味 - noun that means flavor
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means likable
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

あんなに美しい花が咲いている。

Annani utsukushii hana ga saite iru

So beautiful flowers are blooming.

Such beautiful flowers are blooming.

• あんなに - word in Japanese that means "so"
• 美しい - Japanese adjective meaning "beautiful"
• 花 - noun in Japanese that means "flower"
• が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 咲いている - verb in Japanese that means "to bloom" in the present continuous

いい加減にしなさい。

Ii kagen ni shinasai

Stop being irresponsible.

Make it sloppy.

• いい加減に - "adequately" or "reasonably"
• しなさい - "do" or "accomplish"

いけないことをしてはいけません。

Ikenai koto o shite wa ikemasen

Don't do anything you can't do.

• いけない - not allowed
• こと - thing
• を - object particle
• して - doing
• は - Topic particle
• いけません - should not be done

インターナショナルな交流が大切です。

Intānashonaru na kōryū ga taisetsu desu

International exchange is important.

• インターナショナル - International
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 交流 - Exchange
• が - particle that indicates subject
• 大切 - Important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

エンジニアになりたいです。

Enjinia ni naritai desu

I want to become an engineer.

I want to be an engineer.

• エンジニア - engineer
• に - particle indicating destination or goal
• なりたい - want to become
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

エンジンがかかりません。

Enjin ga kakarimasen

The engine is not starting.

There is no engine.

• エンジン (enjin) - motor
• が (ga) - subject particle
• かかりません (kakarimasen) - won't turn on

オルガンの音色は美しいです。

O rugan no neiro wa utsukushii desu

The sound of the organ is beautiful.

The organ tone is beautiful.

• オルガン - organ
• の - Possession particle
• 音色 - timbre, sound quality
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

お兄さんはとても優しい人です。

Oniisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My older brother is a very kind person.

Your brother is a very kind person.

• お兄さん - Older brother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - kind
• 人 - person
• です - verb to be in the polite form